Mower and windrower



Jan. 8, 1952 H. R. DEAN 2,582,108

MOWER AND WINDROWERQ Filed Oct. 15, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 fnyenaf' fi azahi K. flea/72,

H. R. DEAN MOWER AND WINDROWE Jan. 8, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 13, 1948 Ill \L V .T j NR 3v I III 3 2 mm .3 Wm g I\ 0d 1 m m m W E: N mm. 4 a N m2 am mm Q2 nn E a? m p H WEMQ,

Jan. 8, 1952 H. R. DEAN MOWER AND WINDROWER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fjiled Oct. 13, 1948 w V W m h Mk 9 n G B m n i M W, m

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' MOWER AND WINDROWER Filed Oct. '15, 1948 s sheets-sheet 5" w. Lr)

fmrziar 34/024 2. flea/a fix; Ailarzzeys Patented Jan. 8, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in mechanical harvesting devices and, more particularly, to a device for mowing swathes of grain, hay, or the like and depositing them in orderly windrows.

The primary object of my invention is the provision of a device of the type above-described, which can be readily attached to and removed from a conventional farm tractor, and which may utilize the power take-off thereof for operation of the cutter bar reel and conveyor incorporated therein.

Another important object of my invention is the provision of a device of the class described, incorporating novel means for quickly and easily changing the elevation of the reel thereof with respect to the mower bar thereof.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a device of the class described, wherein the reel may be adjustably positioned forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the cutter bar.

Still another object of my invention is the provision of manual means for imparting rocking movements to the entire structure for changing elevation of the cutter bar with respect to the ground.

A still further highly important object of my invention is the provision of a device of the class described, which is relatively inexpensive to build, and which is rugged in construction, durable in use, and easy to operate.

The above and still further highly important objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed specification, appended claims, and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like characters indicate like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a view in plan of my novel device secured to a conventional farm tractor;

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a view in end elevation of my improved device on an enlarged scale, as seen from the line 3-3 of Fig. 2';

Fig. i is an enlarged view, partly in end elevation and partly in section, taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged View in vertical section, taken substantially on the line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. dis a fragmentary detail, partly in front elevation and partly in section, taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail, partly in plan and partly in section, taken substantially on the line 7-? of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary detail as seen from the line 8-8' of Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail, as seen from the line 59 of Fig. 4, some parts being broken away;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary section, taken substantially on the line It-Ifi of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view, partly in end elevation and partly in section, taken on the line IIII of Fig. 10, some parts being broken away.

Referring with greater particularity to the drawings, the numeral I indicates, in its entirety, a substantially rectangular frame comprising longitudinally-extending rear frame members 2 connected by longitudinally-spaced verticallydisposed frame members 3, a longitudinallyextending front frame member 4, and inner and outer end frame members 5 and 6 respectively. At its outer or free end, the frame I is reinforced by a rearwardly-inclined brace member 7 and a horizontally-disposed bracing 8. The inner end of the lower rear frame member 2 is longitudinally spaced from the transverse frame member 5 but is rigidly connected therewith and with the extreme inner end of the upper rear frame member 2 by angularly-disposed brace members 9 and a transverse frame member ID. The frame memher It is in vertically-spaced parallel relation to the inner end frame member 5 and is connected thereto by vertically-disposed bars or frame members II and I2. An end wall I3 formed from sheet material or the like is welded or otherwise secured to the end frame members 5, I0, II, and I2; and a vertically-disposed rear wall I4 extends longitudinally of the frame I from the outer frame elements 6 to the inner end of the frame element 2. A vertically-disposed brace I5 extends from the inner end of the lower frame member 2 to an intermediate portion of the upper frame member 2 and defines one end of an opening IS, the purpose of which will hereinafter become apparent.

A conventional cutter bar or mower bar I1 is provided with knives I8 and is mounted for reciprocating movements longitudinally of the frame I adjacent the leading edge of the frame member 4. The mower bar I! works within the conventional fingers or guards I9 which project forwardly of the frame member 4. The inner end of the mower bar I! is connected to driving means, hereinafter to be described, by a pitman arm 29.

At its inner end, the frame is secured to a tractor 2! in the following manner. A pair of anchoring members or brackets 22 and 23 are secured fast to the axle housing 24 of the tractor 2i, one each adjacent one of the pneumatic tire-equipped driving wheels 25 thereof. A rigid angular brace member 26 is pivotally connected at one end to the anchoring bracket 22, as indicated at 21, and at its other end to the extreme inner end of the longitudinal frame member 4, as indicated at 28. An inner end member 29 is rigidly secured to the inner end portion of the front frame member 4 and extends rearwardly therefrom, terminating at the vertical plane of the rear end of frame member I0. At its intermediate portion, the brace member 29 is provided with an upwardlyextending plate-like flange 30 which is pivotally connected to a depending portion 3I of the anchoring bracket 23 by a nut-equipped bolt 32.

It will be observed by reference to Fig. 5 that the depending portion or legs 3! of the anchoring bracket is provided with a plurality of apertures 33 through any one of which the bolt 32 is adapted to extend depending upon the elevation to which it is desired to maintain the frame 1. Although not shown, it may be assumed that the pivotal connection 2i between the brace member 25 and the anchoring bracket 22 may be likewise vertically adjustable. At its outer or free end, the frame I has journalled thereto, by suitable means not shown, a tire-equipped ground wheel 34, which may also be assumed to be vertically adjustable with respect to the frame I so that the free end thereof may be maintained at substantially the same level as the inner end thereof. A vertically-disposed post 35 is rigidly connected at its upper end to the extreme rear end of the frame member 10. the lower end thereof terminating substantially at a level with the rear end of the inner end member 23. A relatively heavy beam 36 extends from the lower end of the post 35 to the rear end of the inner end member 29 and is removably secured to each thereof by means of nut-equipped screws or the like 31. An angular brace 38 has its lower end rigidly secured by welding or the like to one end of the beam 35 and its other end detachably secured to the upper end of the post 35 adjacent its connection with the frame member [3. Removal of the beam 35 and its cooperating brace 38 permits the adjacent tractor drive wheel 25 to be easily moved into a position between the inner end portion of the frame I and the inner end member 29, so that the frame may be easily and quickly connected to the tractor 2|. The beam 36 affords a rigid brace between the rear end of the frame I and its connection to the tractor 2 I. Further rigidity is imparted to the frame I at its inner end portion by an angular brace 35 extending from the rear end of the frame member IE! to the upper end of the vertically-disposed end frame member H2.

The otherwise open bottom of the frame 1 is covered for the greater part of its length by an endless conveyor 43 which runs over an idler roller 4| extending transversely of the frame l and j ournalled in suitable bearings at the extreme outer end thereof. The conveyor runs over a driving roller 42 in spaced parallel relationship to the idler roller 4! adjacent the inner end of the rear wall It. The forward end of the driving roller 42 is journalled in a suitable bearing not shown but connected to the longitudinal frame member 4 and at its rear end in a bearing boss 53 integrally formed with a guard bracket it welded or otherwise secured to the vertically-disposed brace !5. A driving chain 45 runs over a sprocket 46 fast on the rear end of the driving roller 42 and a sprocket 4'! fast on a jack shaft 53 which is journalled at its opposite ends in a bearing bracket 45 secured by nut-equipped bolts or the like 55 to the vertically-disposed brace [5 (see Fig. '7). It will be observed, particularly by reference to Figs. 1 and 2, that the conveyor 45 extends longitudinally of the frame 5 and that the upper or delivery run thereof lies immediately behind the mower structure. It will also be noted that the conveyor ii! terminates at its inner end in spaced relation to the inner frame member 5 whereby to provide an outlet opening 5| which cooperates with the opening it between the inner end of the vertical rear wall it and the inner frame structure to provide an outlet for grain or like material as the device traverses a field. The conveyor 45 is made from conventional materials, the belt 45 thereof being made from canvas or the like and provided with spaced flights or slats 52, preferably made from wood.

I provide a reel indicated in its entirety by the numeral 53 and comprising a plurality of circumferentially-spaced blades 54 rigidly secured to the outer ends of radially-extended pairs of arms 55 secured fast at their inner ends to a shaft 55. It will be seen, particularly by reference to Figs. 1 and 2, that the blades 54 are of substantially the same length as the mower bar I! and that the radially-extended arms 55 are disposed adjacent the opposite ends of the blades 54. The shaft 56 and blades 54 of the reel 53 extend longitudinally of the frame I and overlie the mower structure as is customary with machines using this equipment. At its outer end, the shaft 56 is journalled in a bearing 5'? which is slidably mounted in a slot 58 of an arm 58 which is ivotally secured at its inner end to a bracket 60, as indicated at El. The bracket 60 is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the rearwardly-inclined brace member ence to Fig. 10, that the shaft 56 has a diametriextreme end 56 of the shaft 55. arrangement shown permits the outer end of the sally-reduced portion 54 which passes loosely through an opening in the plate 52 and is held against axial movements with respect thereto by means of a nut 65 screwed on to the threaded The clamping reel to be frictionally locked against sliding move ments longitudinally of the arm 59, in any desired position within the limits of the slot 58, so that the outer end portion of the reel may be properly located forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the mower structure.

The inner end of the shaft 55 is journalled in spaced bearing bosses 61 and 68 on a bearing bracket 59. The bearing bracket 59 has a tubular portion H! which is slidably mounted on an arm H, the inner end of which is pivotally secured to a bracket l2, as indicated at 1'3. The bracket 12 is secured fast to the intermediate portion of the transverse frame member ID (see particularly Fig. 9). A bevel gear It is secured fast to the extreme inner end of the reel shaft 56 and ha meshing engagement with a bevel pinion 15 that is journalled for rotation in a bearing 76 extending outwardly from the bearing bracket 39. The pinion 75 has a reduced neck portion at the hub 1'. thereof which is contained within the bearing '15 and held thereby against axial movement. The pinion 15 is provided with an axiallyextended rectangular opening 15' of a size to axially slidably receive a cross-sectionally rectangular driving shaft '18. Shaft '53 is freely slidable in the opening 1'5 but his said opening with sufiicient accuracy to lock the pinion '35 against rotary motion with respect thereto. Shaft T8, at one end, is coupled to a relatively short shaft 79 through a universal joint 80. Shaft 79 is journalled in a pair of bearings 8| one thereof secured to the bracket 12 and the other thereof secured to the vertically-disposed frame member l2. Adjustment of the bracket 58 with respect to the pivot 13 is accomplished by the insertion of a pin or bolt 82 through an aperture in the tubular portion T5 of the bracket 59 and any one of a plurality of spaced apertures 83 in the arm N. This arrangement, together with the clamping of the bearing 51 on the arm 59 permits the reel 53 to be disposed in any desired position forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the mower structure and in parallel relationship thereto.

Mower bar I1 is driven from the power takeoff of the tractor 2| through connections which include the pitman arm 20. A power take-off shaft shown in Fig. 1 and indicated by the numeral 84 is provided with a pulley 85 over which another pulley 35 runs an endless belt Bl. Pulley 86 is mounted fast on a short shaft 38 journalled in a bearing 89 secured fast to a suitable location on the tractor 2| (see Fig. 1). A bearing bracket 90 extends upwardly from the extreme inner end of the longitudinal frame member 4 and is braced adjacent its upper end portion by a cross bar 9| extending longitudinally inwardly of the frame I from the frame member II. A shaft 82 is journalled in a bearing 93 fast on the bearing bracket 90. Shafts 88 and 92 are connected for common rotary movements by a coupling shaft 95 and universal joints 05. At its forward end, shaft 92 has secured fast thereon a sprocket 96 which drives a sprocket 97 by means of a link chain 93. The sprocket 97 is journalled in a bearing 92 fast on the bracket 55 and has secured thereto a crank I to which the pitman arm 20 i connected as indicated at It. An idler sprocket I02 journalled to the bracket 50, as indicated at I03, is utilized to take up slack in the link chain 98.

A pulley I04 is mounted fast on shaft 92 adjacent. the sprocket 96 and drives an endless V-belt I05 which runs thereover and another pulley I06 fast on the front end of a transverse shaft I01, which shaft is journalled in bearings I 08 and I59 rigidly secured to the frame members II and I2 respectively. A sprocket wheel H0 is mounted fast on the rear end of the transverse shaft I01 and drives alink chain I I I which runs thereover and over another sprocket H2 secured fast to shaft 79 adjacent its rear end. Rotation of the shaft I9 from. the tractor through the power take-off shaft 85, belt 81, shafts 88, 94, 92, V- belt I05, shaft l0'I, and link. chain III results in rotary movement of reel 53 in a clockwise direction with respect to Figs. 4 and 5 and in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 3, as indicated by arrows thereon, through universal joint 80, shaft 72, and bevel gears 74 and E5.

The endless conveyor is driven by the shaft I9 through connections now to be described. A link chain I I3 runs over a sprocket wheel IM fast on the extreme rear end of the shaft 19 and over a sprocket wheel I I5 fast on a shaft H5 journalled in bearings II? that are mounted on a bracket I I8 (see particularly Figs. 1, 3, and 4.). The bracket I I 3 is secured by welding or the like to the rear end portion of transverse frame mem ber I0. A V-belt IIG runs over a pulley I22 fast on the front end of the shaft H5 and over a other pulley I2I on the jack shaft 43 and drives the conveyor roller 42 through sprockets 25 and 41 and link chain 55. The conveyor belt 40 is driven through mechanism above-described in a direction to feed material toward the opening 5! as indicated by arrows in Figs. 1, 2, and 7.

It is often desirable during a run of a machine through a field to change the elevation of the reel 53 with respect to the mower bar I1. I accomplish this by manipulation of a handleequipped lever I22, which is pivotally secured to the frame I, as indicated at 23, and flexible cable connections therebetween and pivoted arms 59 and II. A pair of vertically-disposed masts I24 and I25 are rigidly secured to opposite ends of the main frame I and are preferably formed from angle iron or the like. Each of the masts I22 and I25 is formed from a pair of spaced angle irons which define channels I25 in which the pivoted arms 59 and H are adapted to move (see Figs. 2 and 9). A pair of pulleys I21 are journalled one each to the upper ends of the masts I24 and I25. A flexible cable I28 has one end secured fast to the bearing bracket 59, as indicated at I29, runs over pulley I2! at the upper end of mast I24, downwardly and rearwardly, to and over a pulley I30 journalled to the inner end of the main frame I, and from thence over a pulley I3I journalled in a bracket i 32 secured to the intermediate portion of the upper longitudinal frame member 2. From thence, cable I28 runs over a pulley E33 journalled tothe intermediate portion of the handle lever I22 from whence it extends to an anchoring hook I35 fast on bearing bracket I53 where it is secured. A second flexible cable I35 has one end secured fast to an eyebolt I35 on the bearing block 5?. Cable I 35 runs over the pulley I21 journalled to the upper end of mast I25 and over a second pulley I3'i journalled in a bracket I33 secured to the outer end of the upper longitudinal frame member 2. From thence, cable I35 extends toward the handle lever I22 and is spliced or otherwise secured to cable I20 as indicated I39. Movement of the handle lever E22 from the right to the left with respect to Figs. 2 and 6 will raise the reel 53, while reverse movement of the lever I22 will lower reel 53. Handle lever 22 is provided with a spring-biased locking pin MI! which is adapted to engage any one of a plurality of notches MI in a quadrant I42 secured to the frame I. As an aid to the operator in raising the reel 53, I provide a tension spring I 33 which has one end fastened to a portion of the handle-equipped lever I22, as indicated at H14, and its other end secured to one end portion of the quadrant I52, as at I45 (see particularly Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6). The spring M3 biases the lever I22 toward a reel-lifting position and compensates for at least a part of the weight of reel 53 and supporting arms 59 and II. It is important to note that the confinement of the pivoted arms 52 and 1! within the channels I26 of the masts I25 and I25 braces the arms 59 and II and the entire reel structure against wobbling movements longitudinally of the machine.

The pivotal connections 2? and 32 between the swather and the tractor 2! permit rocking movement of the swather on an axis longitudinally thereof, whereby to raise and lower the leading edge thereof so that the crop to be harvested. may be cut at any desired height. This rocking movement is obtained by manipulation of a handle-equipped bell crank lever I45 which is pivoted at its intermediate portion I41 to an extension 663 of the anchoring bracket 23. A rigid link :29 has one end pivotally connected to one end of the bell crank lever I 55 as at I and its other end pivoted to an upstanding lug IEE welded or otherwise secured to inner frame member 25. A spring-biased locking pin or rod I52 mounted on the lever I45 is adapted to engage any one of a plurality of notches I53 in a quadrant I55 fast on anchoring bracket 23 (see particularly 2 and 5). Movement of the lever M5 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to Fig. 5 will raise the forward edge of the swat-her, and movement in a clockwise direction will lower the same. The greater part of the weight of the ewather lies forwardly of the pivotal connections 27 and 32, and the axis of the ground wheel 34. To compensate for a portion of the forward unbalance of the swather, I provide a relatively heavy tension spring I55 which is anchored at one end to an eyebolt I56 on the inner end frame member 29 and at its other end to the intermediate portion of bell crank lever I46.

As the swather traverses a field of material to be cut and windrowed, a swath of the hay or grain is mowed by the knives IS on the mower bar I! and falls upon the conveyor 40 from whence it isdeposited upon the ground in an orderly windrow through the joint openings [6 and Of course, hay or grain cut by the mower knives directly in front of the opening 5| will fall directly therethrough to the ground. If for any reason during the travel of the machine through a field, it is necessary to elevate or depress the mower structure, it is but necessary for the operator to manipulate the lever I48 without stopping any part of the operation of the machine. Also, the reel 53 may be quickly and easily raised or lowered to a desired height by manipulation of the handle lever I22 without disturbing the progress of the machine.

Setting of the reel 53 forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the mower bar i7 is determined by the type of crop to be cut, and once set does not need to be again adjusted until a different grain is to be harvested. Adjustment of the height of the entire swather with respect to the ground, as provided by setting of the bolt 32 in one of the holes 33 in the anchoring bracket 23, corresponding elevation of the pivot 21 in the anchoring bracket 32, and of raising or lowering the ground wheel 34, is effected prior to the harvesting operation and need not be changed for any one type of crop.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that, during the passage of the machine through a field, the grain is mowed and laid in an orderly windrow where it will be ready for subsequent harvesting operations. Thus, my invention performs at one time the functions of a mower and a windrowing rake and the time required for accomplishing these operations is substantially reduced.

My invention has been thoroughly tested and found to be adequate for the accomplishment of the objects set forth; and, while I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that the same is capable of modification without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a device of the class described, an elongated frame, means for securing the same to a tractor to project laterally outwardly therefrom at right angles to the line of travel thereof, a cutter bar extending longitudinally of the frame adjacent the leading edge thereof, an endless conveyor extending longitudinally of the frame directly behind said cutter bar and terminating in spaced relation to the inner end of the cutter bar whereby to provide an outlet intermediate said conveyor and the inner end of said frame, means adapted to be connected to the power take-off of said tractor for reciprocating said cutter bar and driving said conveyor, a pair of arms pivotally secured to the frame in laterally-spaced relationship, a reel journalled in said arms adjacent their free ends, means associated with said first-mentioned means for rotating said reel, a pair of mast elements one each adjacent one of said pivoted arms, a pair of pulleys journalled one each to the upper end portions of one of said mast elements, a handle-equipped lever element pivoted to said frame adjacent the drivers seat of said tractor, flexible cables running over said pulleys and connecting the outer end portions of said pivoted arms with said lever whereby movements of said lever will cause raising and lowering movements of said arms and reel, the driving means for said reel including a shaft mounting said reel, a bearing bracket journalling one end portion of said shaft and adjustably mounted on one of said pivoted arms, a gear fast on said shaft adjacent said bearing bracket, a pinion journalled in said bearing bracket and meshing with said gear, a driving shaft keyed to said pinion for rotation therewith and for axial sliding movements with respect thereto, and driving connections between said shaft and said means adapted to be coupled to the power takeoff of said tractor.

2. In a device of the class described, an elongated frame, means on one end of said frame for securing the same to the axle housing of a tractor so that said frame projects laterally outwardly therefrom, said means including anchoring members on the axle housing one adjacent each driving wheel and spaced brace members pivotally connecting the inner end of said frame with said anchoring members, a ground wheel supporting said frame at its free end, a cutter bar secured to said frame adjacent the leading edge thereof, said cutter bar being substantially co-extensive in length with said frame, a reel secured to said frame in overlying spaced relation to said cutter bar, an endless conveyor extending longitudinally of said frame directly behind said cutter bar at one end and terminating in spaced relation to the inner end of the cutter bar whereby to provide an outlet intermediate said conveyor and the inner end of said frame for material discharged from said conveyor, driving connections adapted to be connected to the power take-off of said tractor for simultaneously imparting reciprocating movements to said cutter bar, driving movements to said conveyor, and rotary movements to said reel, manual means including a handle-equipped lever adjacent the operators seat on said tractor for imparting rocking movements to said frame for raising and lowering the cutter bar, manual means including a handleequipped lever adjacent the operators seat on said tractor for raising and lowering the reel with respect to the cutter bar, the axes of the pivotal connections between said anchoring members and said brace members being in substantial alignment with said ground wheel axis, said arms at their free ends being provided with alignable longitudinally-extended slots, axle portions on said reel extending through said slots, and clamping plates cooperating with said axle portions and said arms to adjustably secure said axle portions in a set position in said slots.

HAROLD R. DEAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,312,389 Converse Aug. 5, 1919 2,215,178 Hume et al. Sept. 17, 1940 2,280,453 Rucker et al. Apr. 21, 1942 2,532,164 Hansen et al Nov. 28, 1950 

